ComicsPRO will be hosting retailer programming this year in San Diego on Friday, July 23. All comic book retailers (and future entrepreneurs), publishers and distributors are invited to attend!
10:30 - 11:30
Retailing in the Digital Age -- Publishers are looking at more digital comic releases and the comic book apps are among the most popular on the iPad and iPhone. How can comic book stores update their retail practices to stay involved with digital distribution? What are publishers doing to encourage new digital readers to pick up print comics?
Jim Lee (co-Publisher of DC Comics) and
John Rood (Executive VP of Sales & Marketing DC Entertainment), along with
Jim Sokolowski (COO Marvel Comics),
Chip Mosher (Director of Marketing BOOM! Studios), and
David Steinberger (founder of comiXology.com) will talk about upcoming promotions aimed at sending readers to comic book stores. Moderated by
Joe Field (ComicsPRO President, Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA). Room 12
11:30 - 12:45
Eisner Spirit Award Video Viewing -— The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award is the industry's "Hall of Fame" for progressive retailers. Spirit Award facilitator and award recipient
Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA) shows the video presentations for this year's award finalists, with discussion about each nominated retailer, the store’s display techniques, and the other notable features. Hey, retailers! Steal some good ideas here! Room 12
1:00 - 2:00
ComicsPRO Update and Cookie Break! — Hey, comic retailers, creators, and publishers! Find out all the latest news about your trade and advocacy group from board members
Joe Field,
Carr D'Angelo, and
Amanda Emmert. They’ll fill you in on what plans are in store for ComicsPRO members, what benefits you can reap by becoming a Member or an Industry Partner, and what a difference everyone can make when they pitch in to improve the state of comics retail. All that and cookies, too! Room 13
2:30 - 3:30
The 24-Hour Comics Day Challenge -- Can you create a full 24-page comic from scratch in 24 hours? Join us at the panel as
Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics) and
Trevor Mersch (Vendetta Comics) give out tips and tricks to help you complete the challenge this year and have your comic included in the international 24-Hour Comics collection. Or are you interested in hosting a 24-Hour Comics Day event in your area?
Nat Gertler (Publisher of About Comics and founder of 24-Hour Comics Day) and
Portlyn Polston (Brave New World Comics, Newhall, CA) can tell you how to create and advertise a successful event at your comic book store, school or library. Room 12
4:00–5:30
So You Want To Be a Comic Book Retailer? -- Your first steps to having your very own comic book store start right here! This Comic-Con tradition is always a lively and fun discussion of the brick and mortar basics of launching your own career as a comic book specialty retailer. You have questions? Our panel of experienced retailers has answers! Hosted by
Joe Field (ComicsPRO President, Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA) with fellow retailers
Thomas Gaul (Corner Store Comics & Beach Ball Comics, Orange County CA),
Derrick Taylor (Comic Oasis, Las Vegas NV),
David Wheeler (Dragon’s Lair, Austin TX),
Michael Ring (Bridge City Comics, Portland OR) and Diamond Comic Distributors Outside Sales manager
Dave Hawksworth. This panel is held in
Room 32AB5:45 - 6:30
Branching Out: The National Comic Book Store Franchise --
David Wheeler (Dragon's Lair, TX and WA) talks about his emerging national franchise of comic book stores and the challenges and benefits of operating multiple locations with 2-store owner
Carr D'Angelo (Earth-2 Comics, Sherman Oaks and Northridge, CA). The panel is aimed at retailers who are interested in opening a second store and also at new entrepreneurs who are interested in joining a new national franchise! Room 12
See you in San Diego!
